Interacting tips for a digitizer stylus

ABSTRACT

A stylus for use with a digitizer sensor includes a housing confined by a first and second end, a primary tip positioned at the first end of the housing and associated with a first transmitting element, the first transmitting element having a first diameter, a secondary tip positioned at the second end of the housing and associated with a second transmitting element, the second transmitting element having a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter, a transmitting unit for transmitting a first signal with a first amplitude via the first transmitting element and for transmitting a second signal with a second amplitude via the second transmitting element, wherein the first amplitude is at least twice the second amplitude and a powering unit for powering transmission of the first and second signal.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/839,985 filed on Aug. 30, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/005,308 filed on Sep. 16, 2013, now U.S.Pat. No. 9,122,322 which is a National Phase of PCT Patent ApplicationNo. PCT/IL2012/050095 having International Filing Date of Mar. 15, 2012,which claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC §119(e) of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/453,560 filed on Mar. 17, 2011.The contents of the above applications are all incorporated by referenceas if fully set forth herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a stylusfor use with a digitizer sensor, and more particularly, but notexclusively, to interacting tips for a stylus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Touch technologies are commonly used as input devices for a variety ofproducts. The usage of touch devices of various kinds is growing sharplydue to the emergence of new mobile devices such as mobile phones,Personal Digital Assistants (PDA), tablet PCs, wireless flat paneldisplays (FPD) and other devices. Some of these devices are notconnected to standard keyboards, mice or like input devices, which aredeemed to limit their mobility. Instead there is a tendency to use touchinput technologies of one kind or another, such as using a stylus and/orfinger for user interaction.

Styluses are known in the art for use with a digitizer sensor. Positiondetection of the stylus provides input to a computing device associatedwith the digitizer sensor and is interpreted as user commands. Positiondetection is performed while the stylus tip is either touching and/orhovering over a detection surface of the digitizer sensor. Often, thedigitizer sensor is integrated with a display screen and a position ofthe stylus over the screen is correlated with virtual informationportrayed on the screen.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0155153 entitled“Digitizer, Stylus and Method of Synchronization Therewith,” describes amethod for operating a digitizer with an autonomous asynchronous stylus.Typically the stylus is self-powered, e.g. battery operated. The methodincludes sampling outputs from a digitizer, detecting from the outputsat least one pulsed signal transmitted from an autonomous asynchronousstylus at a defined rate, determining a location of the stylusinteraction with respect to the digitizer, and tracking stylusinteraction with the digitizer over subsequent pulsed signalstransmitted from the stylus.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0146351 entitled “PositionInput Device and Computer System,” the content of which is incorporatedherein by reference describes a computer system including a positionpointing device for transmitting position signals. The position pointingdevice includes a built-in power supply unit, a plurality of signaltransmitting units provided at a plurality of portions of the positionpointing device, and a power control unit for controlling transmissionpower of each of a plurality of signal transmitting units.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,292,229 entitled “Transparent Digitizer” which isassigned to N-trig Ltd., the contents of which is incorporated herein byreference, describes a passive electro-magnetic stylus which istriggered to oscillate at a resonant frequency by an excitation coilsurrounding a digitizer. The stylus operates in a number of differentstates including hovering, tip touching, right click mouse emulation,and erasing. The various states are identified by dynamicallycontrolling the resonant frequency of the stylus so that the stylusresonates at a different frequency in each state. There is alsodescribed a stylus including both a front tip and a reverse tip, thereverse tip located at a second end of the stylus remote from the fronttip. Both the front tip and the reverse tip are associated with a sameresonant circuit, and an electric field concentration is created in agap formed in the vicinity of each of the front tip and the reverse tipin response to triggering the stylus at the resonant frequency. Aposition of a tip of the stylus, e.g. the front tip and/or the reversetip with respect to the digitizer sensor is determined based on signalssensed by the sensor. It is described that a detectable differencebetween output from the front and reverse tips is obtained by forming agap in the vicinity of the front tip with a different geometry than thatof a gap in the vicinity of the reverse tip.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,843,439, entitled “Touch Detection for a Digitizer”assigned to N-Trig Ltd., the contents of which is incorporated herein byreference, describes a detector for detecting both a stylus and touchesby fingers or like body parts on a digitizer sensor. The detectortypically includes a digitizer sensor with a grid of sensing conductivelines, a source of oscillating electrical energy at a predeterminedfrequency, and detection circuitry for detecting capacitive influence onthe sensing conductive lines when the oscillating electrical energy isapplied, the capacitive influence being interpreted as a touch. Thedetector is capable of detecting simultaneous occurrences of multiplestyluses and/or finger touches.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,793,360 entitled “Digitizer Eraser System and Method,”the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference, describeswriting/erasing digitizer pen including a resonance tuning circuitassociated with a writing tip of the pen and a separate resonance tuningcircuit associated with the erasing tip of the pen. A phase output ofthe resonance tuning circuit of the eraser tip is altered responsive topressure applied on the eraser tip. A digitizer sensor detects thechange in phase and identifies that input is being received from theeraser tip. The eraser tip is used to select and delete text, cells orother objects displayed on an associated display screen.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,576,502 entitled “Pointing Unit and Improved StylusPen,” the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference,describes an eraser unit or pointing unit for a second pen unit of apressure sensitive stylus. The eraser unit includes a main body with adome shaped cap that is inserted in an opening of a main body of thestylus. The cylindrical main body with the dome shaped cap is movablewith respect to the main body of the stylus and recedes toward the mainbody of the stylus responsive to pressure applied on the cap.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere is provided a stylus including a primary tip and/or writing tip onone end and a secondary tip on an opposite end of the stylus. Accordingto some embodiments of the present invention, each of the writing tipand the secondary tip is capable of providing input to an associateddigitizer and/or touch screen when brought in proximity to a sensingsurface of the digitizer and/or touch screen. According to someembodiments of the present invention, the secondary tip includes powersaving features.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere is provided one or more secondary tips, each of which can beretrofitted on an existing stylus. In some exemplary embodiments, thesecondary tip is an add-on device that can be selectively and/orrepeatedly mounted and dismounted on a stylus by the user. Optionally, akit including a plurality of secondary tips is provided for operationwith a stylus, each of which is operable to provide dedicatedfunctionality when mounted on the stylus for interacting with thedigitizer.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere is provided a stylus for use with a digitizer sensor, the stylusincluding a housing confined by a first and second end, a primary tippositioned at the first end of the housing and associated with a firsttransmitting element, the first transmitting element having a firstdiameter, a secondary tip positioned at the second end of the housingand associated with a second transmitting element, the secondtransmitting element having a second diameter that is larger than thefirst diameter, a transmitting unit for transmitting a first signal witha first amplitude via the first transmitting element and fortransmitting a second signal with a second amplitude via the secondtransmitting element, wherein the first amplitude is at least twice thesecond amplitude, and a powering unit for powering transmission of thefirst and second signal.

Optionally, the first amplitude is at least five times the secondamplitude.

Optionally, the second diameter is at least twice the first diameter.

Optionally, the second diameter is at least 3 mm.

Optionally, the second diameter is at least 5 mm.

Optionally, the second transmitting element is a conductive portion ofthe secondary tip.

Optionally, the secondary tip has a dome shape.

Optionally, the secondary tip is formed from conductive rubber.

Optionally, the secondary tip is coated with non-conductive material.

Optionally, the second signal is a modulated form of the first signal.

Optionally, modulation includes at least one of frequency and phasemodulation.

Optionally, the first and second signals are burst signals and whereinmodulation includes modulation of a repetition rate of the bursts.

Optionally, the stylus includes a tip position detecting unit operativefor differentiating between a touch and hover operational state of thesecondary tip of the stylus.

Optionally, the tip position detecting unit includes a contact switchthat is activated by the secondary tip responsive to contact pressureapplied on the secondary tip.

Optionally, the stylus includes a signal modulation circuitry operativeto modulate a signal responsive to identifying the touch operation stateof the secondary tip of the stylus.

Optionally, the stylus includes circuitry for blocking transmission ofthe first signal responsive to identifying a touch operational state ofthe secondary tip of the stylus.

Optionally, the stylus includes circuitry for blocking transmission ofthe second signal responsive to identifying a touch operational state ofthe primary tip of the stylus.

Optionally, the stylus includes circuitry for blocking transmission ofthe second signal responsive to identifying a hover operational state.

Optionally, the first and second signals are transmitted simultaneously.

Optionally, the first and second signals are burst signals that aretransmitted at a pre-defined frequency.

Optionally, the stylus includes a first transmitting unit fortransmitting the first signal and a second signal transmitting unit fortransmitting the second signal, wherein the first and secondtransmitting units are operated independently.

Optionally, the stylus includes a first powering unit for poweringtransmission of the first signal and a second powering unit for poweringtransmission of the second signal, wherein the first and second poweringunits are independent.

Optionally, the secondary tip, the second powering unit and the secondtransmitting unit are housed in second housing selectively detachablefrom the housing.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere is provided a stylus for use with a digitizer sensor, the stylusincluding a housing confined by a first and second end, a primary tippositioned at the first end of the housing and associated with atransmitting element, the transmitting element having a first diameter,a transmitting unit for transmitting a signal via the transmittingelement, a powering unit for powering transmission of the signal via thetransmitting element, and a secondary tip positioned at the second endof the housing, wherein the secondary tip is a passive tip formed fromconductive material, the secondary tip having a diameter of at least 3mm.

Optionally, the secondary tip is formed from conductive rubber.

Optionally, the secondary tip is movable with respect to the housing andrecedes toward the housing responsive to contact pressure applied on thesecondary tip.

Optionally, the stylus includes a contact switch that is activated inresponse to the secondary tip receding toward the housing by a defineddistance.

Optionally, responsive to activation of the contact switch, thesecondary tip is grounded via a low impedance connection.

Optionally, the stylus includes circuitry operable to switch, at apre-defined frequency, between high and low impedance connection to GNDresponsive to activation of the contact switch.

Optionally, the secondary tip and the contact switch are housed in aseparate housing that is selectively detachable from the housing of thestylus.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere is provided interacting tip unit operable for providing input to adigitizer sensor, wherein the interactive tip unit comprises aninteracting tip formed of conductive material having a dimension of atleast 3 mm, the interacting tip unit adapted for retrofitting on one endof a stylus associated with the digitizer sensor.

Optionally, the interactive tip includes a housing, a transmitting unitfor transmitting a signal via the interacting tip, and a powering unitfor powering transmission of the signal.

Optionally, the interactive tip includes circuitry for modulating thesignal responsive to detecting contact pressure applied on theinteracting tip.

Optionally, the interacting tip is dome shaped.

Optionally, the interacting tip is formed from conductive rubber.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere is provided a stylus kit including a stylus for use with adigitizer sensor, the stylus with a housing confined by a first andsecond end, a primary tip positioned at the first end of the housing andassociated with a first transmitting element, the first transmittingelement having a first diameter, a transmitting unit for transmitting afirst signal with a first amplitude via the first transmitting, and apowering unit for powering transmission of the first signal, and aplurality of secondary tips units operable to be attached to the stylus,wherein each of the plurality of secondary tip units is operable toprovide input to the digitizer sensor.

Optionally, each of the plurality of secondary tip units providesdedicated functionality selected from the group consisting of: erasing,drawing with a wide line, and drawing with a defined color.

Optionally, at least one of the plurality of secondary tip units isoperable to transmit a signal.

Optionally, at least one of the plurality of secondary tip unitscomprises a tip position detecting unit for identifying touch and hoveroperations states of the secondary tip unit.

Optionally, at least one secondary tip unit from the plurality ofsecondary tip units is operable to transmit a signal with amplitude thatis at most half the amplitude of the first signal transmitted by thefirst transmitting element.

Optionally, at least one secondary tip unit from the plurality ofsecondary tip units includes a tip with a diameter that is at leastdouble a diameter of the first transmitting element.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere is provided a stylus for use with a digitizer sensor, the stylusincluding a housing confined by a first and second end, a tip positionedat the first end of the housing and associated with a first transmittingelement, a first conductive area substantially surrounding the tip andelectrically isolated from the first transmitting element, a firstconductive area substantially surrounding the tip and electricallyisolated from the first transmitting element, wherein the firstconductive area and the second conductive area are electrically isolatedfrom each other, circuitry for transmitting a signal via the firsttransmitting element, wherein the circuitry is electrically connected ata first end to the transmitting element and at a second end to at leastthe first conductive area, and a switching element for selectivelyconnecting the circuitry at the second end to the second conductivearea.

Optionally, a tip pressure detecting unit associated with the tip fordetecting pressure applied on the tip, wherein the switching element isoperable to connect the circuitry at the second end to the secondconductive area, responsive to a pre-defined detected pressure on thetip.

Implementation of the method and/or system of embodiments of theinvention can involve performing or completing selected tasks manually,automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, according to actualinstrumentation and equipment of embodiments of the method and/or systemof the invention, several selected tasks could be implemented byhardware, by software or by firmware or by a combination thereof usingan operating system.

For example, hardware for performing selected tasks according toembodiments of the invention could be implemented as a chip or acircuit. As software, selected tasks according to embodiments of theinvention could be implemented as a plurality of software instructionsbeing executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In anexemplary embodiment of the invention, one or more tasks according toexemplary embodiments of method and/or system as described herein areperformed by a data processor, such as a computing platform forexecuting a plurality of instructions. Optionally, the data processorincludes a volatile memory for storing instructions and/or data and/or anon-volatile storage, for example, a magnetic hard-disk and/or removablemedia, for storing instructions and/or data. Optionally, a networkconnection is provided as well. A display and/or a user input devicesuch as a keyboard or mouse are optionally provided as well.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specificreference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that theparticulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrativediscussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, thedescription taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled inthe art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of an exemplary stylus including aprimary tip and an exemplary secondary tip that emits a signal derivedfrom circuitry of the primary tip in accordance with some embodiments ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram of an exemplary stylus including aprimary tip and an exemplary secondary tip powered with a same powerunit as that of the primary tip in accordance with some embodiments ofthe present invention;

FIG. 3 is a simplified diagram of an exemplary stylus including aprimary tip and an exemplary secondary tip that operates independentlyfrom the primary tip in accordance with some embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are simplified diagrams of exemplary styluses, eachincluding a primary tip through which a signal is transmitted and anexemplary secondary tip that is a conductive object in accordance withsome embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are simplified diagrams of exemplary stylusesretrofitted with exemplary secondary tip units in accordance with someembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a simplified schematic diagram of a stylus with a primary tipand a plurality of exemplary secondary tips that can be selectivelymounted on the stylus in accordance with some embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a simplified schematic diagram of exemplary digitizer systemfor use with a stylus including a primary and secondary tip inaccordance with some embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a simplified schematic diagram of an exemplary primary orsecondary tip of a stylus in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, the term tip, e.g. as in the phrases secondary tip,eraser tip, conductive tip, primary tip, writing tip, means any end of astylus used to interact with a digitizer sensor and/or touch screen. Itis noted that the term “tip” as stated herein does not require that theend be tapered or pointed.

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a stylusfor use with a digitizer sensor, and more particularly, but notexclusively, to interacting tips for a stylus.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, thefunctionality of a stylus is improved by including an additionalinteracting tip on an end opposite that of a writing tip of the stylus.According to some embodiments of the present invention, the secondarytip provides additional functionality such as for example erasing,marking, drawing wide lines and/or drawing with selected colors, orothers. Optionally, a functionality of the secondary tip is selected bya user with a switch included on the stylus. Optionally, a functionallyof the secondary tip is selected with a select feature displayed on anassociated touch screen. Optionally, a secondary tip is associated witha specific functionality so that selection is not required.

In some known styluses that include both writing and an eraser tips, asignal is typically transmitted from both tips throughout operation ofthe stylus. Typically, transmission is from a conductive portion of atip that operates as an antenna. Optionally, the conductive portion iscoated with non-conductive material. Typically, transmission from bothtips is required since each of the writing tip and eraser tip mayoperate in a hover mode as well as in a touch mode. During a hover modeof a stylus, a stylus is typically unaware of its orientation, e.g.unaware of which tip is interacting with the digitizer sensor. Thepresent inventors have found that one of the potential draw backs of abattery operated stylus with two signal transmitting tips, e.g. aprimary and secondary tip, is a significant increase in power requiredand/or significant reduction in battery life that may occur due to theadditional continuous transmission that may be required from thesecondary tip. Another potential drawback is the increase in the bill ofmaterials associated with adding an additional signal transmitting tipto the stylus.

The present inventors have found that functionalities typicallyassociated with an secondary tip of a stylus are functionalities thatare used less often and/or for shorter periods of time as compared tofunctionalities provided by the writing tip and/or primary tip of thestylus, and that the accuracy required for many of these functionalitiesis typically lower than the accuracy required for functionalitiesassigned to the primary tip, e.g. the writing tip of the stylus. Basedon these observations, the present inventors have found that it may bebeneficial to improve battery life and/or reduce power requirement bytransmitting a lower amplitude signal at the secondary tip. In someexemplary embodiment, amplitude of signal transmitted in the secondarytip is between 2-20 times less than that of the primary tip stylus. Thepresent inventors have found that a same SNR on the digitizer, e.g. sameand/or similar SNR obtained from the primary tip can be maintained withthe secondary tip when transmitting a lower amplitude signal with athicker antenna. According to some embodiments of the present invention,in order to comply with the lower power transmission, dimensions of aconductive portion of the secondary tip are increased so that detectionof a lower amplitude transmission can be enhanced and/or so that thetransmission power can be further reduced. Optionally, a diameter and/orat least one dimension of a conductive and/or transmitting portion ofthe secondary tip is 2-10 times larger than a diameter and/orcorresponding dimension of a conductive and/or transmitting portion ofthe primary tip.

In some exemplary embodiments, performance of a stylus including twotransmitting tips is further improved by blocking transmission of one ofthe two tips while the other tip is operating in a touch operation mode.Typically, each of the primary and secondary tips is associated with apressure detecting mechanism for sensing contact pressure applied on thetip during a touch operational state. In response to determining a touchoperation mode for one of the tips, transmission may be temporarilyblocked for the other tip, and then resumed when the touch operationalmode is terminated. Typically, a primary tip of the stylus is associatedwith a pressure sensing mechanism for sensing a threshold pressureapplied on the tip associated with a touch operational mode and also forsensing different levels of pressure applied while writing. Optionally,a touch operational mode of the secondary tip is detected with a simplermechanism such as a push button switch and/or contact switch that isactivated when the tip recedes due to contact pressure and an extensionof the tip engages the switch.

In some exemplary embodiments, a stylus includes a single oscillator forproviding a time base for generating signals for both the primary tipand secondary tip of the stylus. Optionally, the signal transmitted bythe secondary tip is different from the signal transmitted by theprimary tip so that a digitizer can distinguish between input receivedby the primary tip and input received by the secondary tip. Optionally,the difference includes at least one of a modification in phase,frequency, amplitude, and pulse repetition rate. Optionally, at leastone of amplitude shift keying (ASK), phase shift keying (PSK) andfrequency shift keying (FSK) is used to modify the transmitted signal.In some exemplary embodiments, an additional modification is introducedin response to a detected touch operational state of the secondary tip.Optionally, a frequency of the signal is modified in response to adetected touch operational state. Optionally, the secondary tip onlyoperates, e.g. transmits a signal, in a touch operational mode and doesnot transmit during a hover operational state. In some exemplaryembodiments, both the primary and secondary tips use a same powersource. Optionally, the secondary tip uses a dedicated power source.Optionally, the secondary tip uses a dedicated signal generator timebase.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, a stylusincludes a primary tip through which a signal is transmitted and asecondary tip that functions as a conductive object that provides input,responsive to capacitive coupling with the associated digitizer sensor,but through which no signal is transmitted. In some exemplaryembodiments, the secondary tip is constructed from a conductive softmaterial, e.g. conductive rubber.

In some exemplary embodiments, the secondary tip is connected to earthground (GND) via a low impedance connection. Optionally, the secondarytip includes circuitry to alternately couple the tip to GND via one oflow and high impedance connection. Typically, output from the digitizerarising from the presence of a grounded conductive object is differentthan output obtained from the digitizer in the presence of a conductiveobject that is in a float state, e.g. high impedance to GND. Optionally,during one of a hover or touch operational state, the secondary tip isrepeatedly switched between GND and float to provide pre-defined inputto the digitizer sensor. Optionally, during a touch operational state,the secondary tip is connected to GND and during a hover operationalstate the secondary tip is repeatedly switched between GND and float.Optionally, low impedance can be eliminated by adding a insulating coveron the tip.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the secondarytip is a standalone device that can be retrofitted on an existingstylus, writing utensil, and/or rod. Optionally, the secondary tip canbe used as a standalone device. According to some embodiments of thepresent invention, there is provided a kit with a plurality of secondarytips, each providing a distinct input to an associated digitizer sensor,e.g. distinct frequencies and/or distinct geometries of the tip forproviding different output on the digitizer due to capacitive coupling.Optionally, each tip is associated with a dedicated functionality.Optionally, transmission via the secondary tip is initiated responsiveto attachment to an existing stylus, e.g. using a switch that isactivated responsive to attachment to an existing stylus. Typically, theoscillator and/or a portion of the circuitry in the secondary tip arepowered, e.g. operated continuously even while the tip is nottransmitting. Alternatively, the secondary tip operates continuously,e.g. transmits continuously and does not require activation. Optionally,the secondary tip is only operated, e.g. only transmits a signal duringa detected touch operational state of the tip.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a simplified diagram of anexemplary stylus including a primary tip and an exemplary secondary tipthat emits a signal derived from circuitry of the primary tip inaccordance with some embodiments of the present invention. According tosome embodiments of the present invention, a stylus 110 includes aprimary tip 20 emitting a signal 25 and a secondary tip 30 emitting asignal 35, both during operation of stylus 110. Optionally, signal 25 istransmitted by a first transmitting element associated with primary tip20 and signal 35 is transmitted with a second transmitting elementassociated with secondary tip 30. Typically, the transmitting elementsare formed from conductive portions of the tips.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, a signal emittedand/or transmitted by primary tip 20 and secondary tip 30 is generatedand/or transmitted by circuitry 40, e.g. an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), and is powered by a power unit 50 included instylus 110. Typically, circuitry 40 functions as a transmitting unit.Typically, power unit 50 includes one or more batteries and/or a supercapacitor, e.g. lithium batteries and/or alkaline batteries. Optionally,the batteries are rechargeable. The power supply typically providesvoltage of about 1.5V-3.5V, e.g. 1.5V, 3.2V, or other stable voltagegenerated by a power management solution, e.g. DC to DC converter.Optionally, a regulating converter is used to obtain stable voltage overa life time of the battery, e.g. to maintain a steady performance.

Typically circuitry 40 includes an oscillator, e.g. a multi-vibrator orcrystal interface that generates a signal with frequency between about 2KHz and 1000 KHz, e.g. 20-40 KHz. Optionally, burst signals are used fortransmission, and circuitry 40 generates burst signals every 5-20 msec,e.g. every 7.5 msec or every 15 msec. In some embodiments, a signal withamplitude of up to 25V is transmitted. Typically, the signal generatedby circuitry 40 is transmitted via a conductive portion of primary tip20. Optionally, circuitry for generating the signal is connected on oneend to the conductive portion of primary tip 20 and on another end to aconductive portion 95 of housing 90. Typically conductive portion 95surrounds primary tip 20 so that an electric field concentric with ageometry of the tip is created between conductive portion of primary tip20 and conductive portion 95 as described in more details for example inincorporated U.S. Pat. No. 7,292,229. Alternatively, the generatedsignal is transmitted via an antenna proximal to primary tip 20, e.g.surrounding primary tip 20, e.g. as when primary tip 20 is formed fromnon-conducting material.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, a writing tip ofthe stylus, e.g. primary tip 20 is associated with a pressure sensingunit 28 for monitoring pressure applied on primary tip 20. Typically,pressure sensing unit 28 detects a switch between no or low pressuresapplied on the tip during a hover operational state and higher pressuresapplied during a touch operational state, and provides output indicatingthe current operational state of the primary tip. Optionally, primarytip 20 and/or pressure sensing unit 28 may be similar to thetransmitting tip and/or to a pressure sensing unit described in U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2010-0051356, entitled “PressureSensitive Stylus for a Digitizer,” the contents of which is herebyincorporated by reference.

In some exemplary embodiments, pressure sensing unit 28 provides inputto circuitry 40 and a modulated signal is generated based on a pressurelevel detected by pressure sensing unit 28. Optionally, repetition rateof the generated and/or transmitted bursts is altered, e.g. bursts aretransmitted every 7.5 msec during a touch operational state and every 15msec during a detected hover operational state. Optionally, a frequencyof the transmitted oscillating signal is altered and/or the phase of theoscillating signal is altered.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, stylus 110additionally includes a secondary tip and/or secondary end 30 throughwhich a signal 35 is transmitted. According to some embodiments of thepresent invention, a time base for signal 35 is generated with anoscillator associated with circuitry 40 and modification and/orconditioning of signal 35 is performed with signal processor and/orcircuitry 60 so that a signal transmitted by secondary tip 30 isdistinguishable from a signal 25 transmitted from primary tip 20.Optionally, phase and/or frequency of signal generated by circuitry 40are modified. Optionally, circuitry 60 includes a frequency divider andmodification is based on frequency dividing. Optionally, circuitry 60includes functionality of a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) and/or amulti-vibrator. Optionally, circuitry 60 functions as a transmittingunit.

Typically, the amplitude of signal 35 transmitted via secondary tip 30is significantly lower than the amplitude of signal 25 transmitted viaprimary tip 20. Optionally, the amplitude of signal 35 is at most halfthe amplitude of signal 25. Optionally, amplitude of signal 35 isbetween 0.05-0.75 times the amplitude of signal 25, e.g. 0.1-0.5 timesthe amplitude of signal 25. In some exemplary embodiments, low signal tonoise ratio (SNR) detection due to the lower power transmission iscompensated for by using a larger diameter tip, e.g. diameter ‘D’ overwhich signal 35 is transmitted as compared to a diameter ‘d’ over whichsignal 25 is typically transmitted. Typically, secondary tip 30 has arounded symmetrical shape, although other shapes may be adapteddepending on the assigned functionality of the secondary tip.Optionally, secondary tip 30 has a hemispherical or dome shape.Optionally a 2-10 mm diameter tip is used for secondary tip 30, e.g. a 6mm diameter tip. Typically, a diameter of primary tip 20 is between0.75-2 mm, e.g. 1 mm.

Typically, secondary tip 30 is movable with respect to housing 90 of thestylus and recedes toward housing 90 in response to pressure applied onthe tip. Typically, an elastic element 38 associated with the secondarytip 30 provides a recoil force responsive to contact pressure applied onthe tip. In some exemplary embodiments, a touch operational state ofsecondary tip 30 is detected based on output from a tip positiondetecting unit including a switch 65. Optionally, in response tosecondary tip 30 receding into housing 90, contact between an element 32rigidly connected to tip 30 is established and switch 65 is activatedand/or changes its state. Optionally, switch 65 is replaced with anotherpressure sensing mechanism. Typically, switch 65 provides input tocircuitry 60 for modifying signal 35 while switch 65 is activated.Typically, a state of switch 65 can indicate one of an ON or OFF statebut does not detect a range of pressure as does pressure sensing unit28. Although, functionality of switch 65 is limited as compared to thatof pressure sensing unit 28, power consumption and bill of materials maybe significantly lower. The present inventors have found that forfunctionalities typically associated with a secondary tip of a stylus,e.g. erasing and/or marking, a user will typically press down on thesecondary tip with high pressure so that high sensitivity is notrequired to differentiate between a hover and touch operational state.

Optionally, phase and/or frequency of signal 35 are modified so thattouch and hover operational states of secondary tip 30 can bedifferentiated during interaction with a digitizer sensor. Typically, afrequency emitted by secondary tip 30 is between 2 KHz-1000 KHz.Optionally, circuitry 60 includes a frequency divider for altering afrequency of a signal generated by circuitry 40. Optionally, a lowerfrequency signal is used for a hover operational state which is the moredominant operational state, since the power consumption for lowerfrequency transmission on a constant capacitive load signal is lowerthan that of a higher frequency signal. Optionally, switch 65 andcircuitry 60 are mounted on a PCB 62 associated with secondary tip 30.

Typically during operation of stylus 110, a signal 25 from primary tip20 and signal 35 from secondary tip 30 are transmitted simultaneously.Optionally, switch 65 also provides input to circuitry 40 to blocktransmission through primary tip 20 while switch 65 is activated.Optionally and similarly, pressure sensing unit 28 provides input tocircuitry 40 and/or 60 for blocking transmission to secondary tip 30while a touch operational state is detected by pressure sensing unit 28.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2 showing a simplified diagram of anexemplary stylus including a primary tip and an exemplary secondary tippowered with a same power unit in accordance with some embodiments ofthe present invention. According to some embodiments of the presentinvention, a stylus 120 includes a primary tip 20 emitting a signal 25and a secondary tip 30 emitting a signal 36, both during operation ofstylus 120. According to some embodiments of the present invention, eachof signal 25 from primary tip 20 and signal 36 from secondary tip 30 aregenerated and/or transmitted independently but are powered by a commonpowering unit 50. Optionally, ASIC and/or circuit 40 generate a signaltransmitted via primary tip 20, and ASIC and/or circuitry 70 associatedwith secondary tip 30 independently generates a signal transmitted viasecondary tip 30. Optionally, circuitry 40 and circuitry 70 are inelectrical communication and function as transmitting units fortransmitting signals via tips 20 and 30 respectively. Optionally,transmission of signal 25 and signal 36 are synchronized. In someexemplary embodiments, each of primary tip 20 and secondary tip 30 areassociated with a pressure sensing unit 28 for detecting differentoperational states of the tip, e.g. hover operational state anddifferent pressure levels in a touch operational state. Alternatively,secondary tip 30 is associated with a push button switch and/orsecondary tip 30 is not pressure sensitive. Typically, signals emittedby the primary tip 20 and secondary tip 30 are distinct. Typically, eachof circuitry 40 and 70 are operable to receive input from its respectivepressure sensing unit 28 and alter its output based on the receivedinput.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3 showing a simplified diagram of anexemplary stylus including a primary tip and an exemplary secondary tipthat operates independently from the primary tip in accordance with someembodiments of the present invention. According to some embodiments ofthe present invention, a stylus 125 includes a primary tip 20 emitting asignal 25 and a secondary tip 30 emitting a signal 36, both duringoperation of stylus 125. In some exemplary embodiments, tip 30 isassociated with dedicated circuitry 41, e.g. an ASIC and a dedicatedpower unit 51, e.g. one or more batteries. Optionally, tip 30 ispressure sensitive and is associated with switch 65 for sensing when tip30 is depressed, e.g. is in a touch operational state. Optionally,circuitry 41, switch 65 and power unit 51 are connected and/or mountedto a PCB 63. In some exemplary embodiments, tip 30, circuitry 41, switch65, power unit 51 and PCB 63 are included in a secondary tip unit 98that is operated independently from primary tip 20 and the rest ofstylus 125.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 4A and 4B showing simplified diagrams oftwo exemplary styluses including a primary tip through which a signal istransmitted and an exemplary secondary tip that is a conductive objectin accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Accordingto some embodiments of the present invention, a stylus 130 and/or 135includes a primary tip 20 emitting a signal 25 and a secondary tip unit97 including a secondary tip 31, e.g. a non-transmitting tip constructedfrom a conductive object that can provide input to a digitizer sensor ina passive manner, responsive to capacitively coupling with the sensor atdistinct locations on the sensor. According to some embodiments of thepresent invention, secondary tip 31 is constructed with a relative widediameter tip, e.g. large relative to diameter of primary tip 20, toenhance its ability to provide input to the digitizer sensor based oncapacitive coupling. Optionally secondary tip 31 is formed from a softconductive metal.

In some exemplary embodiments, secondary tip 31 is directly connected toGND 69 by a low impedance connection, e.g. connected to a conductiveportion of housing 91. Connection to GND may be by direct connection orvia switch 65. Optionally, secondary tip 31 is electrically floating.Optionally, secondary tip is pressure sensitive and is alternatelyswitched, e.g. with switch 65 between a GND state, e.g. low impedanceconnection to GND and a floated state, e.g. high impedance connection toGND responsive to a switch between a touch and hover operational state.In some exemplary embodiments, switch 65 is used to connect secondarytip 31 to a low impedance connection to GND 69 responsive to contactpressure applied on secondary tip 31, e.g. during a touch operationalstate of secondary tip 31. Optionally during a hover operational state,connection to GND is via high impedance connection. Optionally, switch65 requires power for operation and is connected to power unit 50 and orto a dedicated power unit 51, e.g. one or more batteries.

Alternatively, during a touch operational state of tip 31, circuitry 67provides for alternately switching between high and low impedanceconnection to GND, e.g. with switching mechanism 66. Optionally,switching mechanism 66 provides for switching between high and lowimpedance connection to GND at a frequency between 10-500 KHz.Typically, a touch operational state is activated responsive toactivation of switch 65. Optionally, switch 65, circuitry 67 and powerunit 51 are mounted on PCB 63 associated with secondary tip 31.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A and 5B showing simplified diagrams ofstyluses retrofitted with exemplary secondary tip units in accordancewith some embodiments of the present invention. In some exemplaryembodiments, secondary tip units 97 and/or 98 are independent add-onunits that can be retrofitted on stylus 140 or stylus 145, e.g. knownstyluses. In some exemplary embodiments, a cap 99 of stylus 140 isremoved and secondary tip unit 98 is positioned in its place.Optionally, housing 91 and cap 99 include screw threads so that cap 99is removed and replaced with secondary tip unit 98 by screwing cap 99off housing 91 and subsequently screwing secondary tip unit 98 onhousing 91 of stylus 140. Alternatively, secondary tip unit 97 is usedand replaces cap 99. Optionally, signal transmission is initiatedresponsive to attachment of secondary tip unit 98 on housing 91 ofstylus 140, e.g. with a switch that is activated responsive to attachingsecondary tip unit to housing 91. Alternatively, secondary tip unit 98operates continuously and does not require initiation for it to begintransmitting.

Referring now to FIG. 5B, according to some embodiments of the presentinvention, secondary tip unit 97 includes an attaching mechanism 88 forfitting e.g. temporarily fitting secondary tip unit 97 over a stylus 145and or other writing utensil and/or pointing device without requiringremoval of a cap, e.g. cap 99. Optionally, secondary tip unit 98includes an attaching mechanism 88 and is fitted, e.g. temporarilyfitted over a stylus 145. Optionally, attaching mechanism 88 includes anelastic band and/or sleeve that can be friction fitted over housing 90of stylus 145 or other object with a suitable diameter.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6 showing a simplified schematic diagramof a stylus with a primary tip and exemplary secondary tips that can beselectively mounted on the stylus in accordance with some embodiments ofthe present invention. According to some embodiments of the presentinvention, there is provided a kit 200 including a plurality ofsecondary tip units each of which can be attached to a stylus 150. Insome exemplary embodiments, kit 200 includes a plurality, e.g. two ormore secondary tip units each emitting a signal, e.g. secondary tipunits 981, 982 and 983. In some exemplary embodiments, kit 200 includesa plurality, e.g. two or more secondary tip units that provide adifferent capacitive coupling, e.g. secondary tip units 971, 972 and973. Optionally, kit 200 includes both signal emitting secondary tipunits and non-signal emitting secondary tip units, e.g. 971, 972, 973,981, 982 and 983. According to some embodiments of the presentinvention, each of secondary tips 971, 972, 973, 981, 982 and 983 areassigned dedicated functionality. Optionally, each of secondary tipunits 981, 982 and 983 include same and/or similar hardware but providedifferent frequency and/or repetition rates. In some exemplaryembodiments, one of the secondary tips is assigned the functionality ofan eraser. Optionally, one tip is assigned the functionality of a widereraser and another tip is assigned the functionality of a narrow or thineraser. In some exemplary embodiments, some of the secondary tips in kit200 are assigned the functionality of drawing with a specific colorand/or a specific line width. Optionally, functionality of each of thesecondary tips in kit 200 can depend on an application being used.Optionally, a user may assign and/or select a functionality of one ormore secondary tips, e.g. by selecting a virtual button on an associateddisplay unit. Typically, each of the secondary tips in kit 200 providesoutput that can be distinguished from output provided by the othersecondary tips in kit 200. It is noted that although each of thesecondary tip units are shown to include a switch 65 for sensing one ofa touch or hover state of the tip, one or more of the tips canalternatively include a pressure sensing unit 28 and/or may not includepressure sensing ability, e.g. may not include switch 65 or pressuresensing unit 28. Optionally, one or more of tips 30 or 31 are fixedlyconnected to secondary tip unit so that they are not moved in responseto contact pressure applied on the tip.

Reference is now made to FIG. 7 showing a simplified schematic drawingof exemplary digitizer system in which a stylus including a primary andsecondary tip is used in accordance with some embodiments of the presentinvention. According to some embodiments of the present invention, astylus 100 including both primary tip 20 and secondary tip 30 and/or astylus 100 including both primary tip 20 and secondary tip 31 is used tointeract with a digitizer sensor 512 of a digitizer system 500. It isnoted that stylus 100 generally refers to any one or more of stylus 110,120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145 and 150 described herein.

Digitizer system 500 may typically be suitable for any computing devicethat enables touch input between a user and the device, e.g., mobile,desktop, or tabletop computing devices that include, for example, flatpanel display (FPD) screens. Examples of such devices include TabletPCs, touch enabled lap-top computers, tabletop computer, PDAs or anyhand held devices such as palm pilots, mobile phones, navigation systemsor any other devices that facilitate electronic gaming. According tosome embodiments of the present invention, digitizer system 500comprises a sensor 512 including a patterned arrangement of conductivelines 518, which is optionally transparent, and which is typicallyoverlaid on an FPD. Typically sensor 512 is a grid based sensorincluding horizontal and vertical conductive lines.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the gridgenerally comprises two sets of conductive lines 518, wherein each setcomprises spaced apart conductive lines, and wherein conductive lines ofdifferent sets cross each other at junctions, but no contact existsbetween conductive lines belonging to the two sets. In some embodiments,each of the two sets comprises substantially equally spaced apartparallel straight conductive lines, wherein the two sets aresubstantially orthogonal ones, although other arrangements can bedesigned. In some non-limiting embodiments, the parallel conductivelines are spaced at a distance of approximately 2-8 mm, e.g. 4 mm,depending on the size of the FPD and a desired resolution. The two setscan be formed on one or more layers, as long as two conductive lines ofbelonging to two sets are isolated from one another. Optionally, theconductive lines are formed as thin lines, rectangles, diamonds, asequence of one or more rhombuses, or any other shape.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, a signal emittedby one of primary tip 20 and secondary tip 30 (and/or secondary tip 31)of a stylus 100 is detected by sensor 512. Optionally, a signaltransmitted by a stylus tip at a height of up to 4 cm above sensor 512is detected by sensor 512. Optionally, when one of primary tip 20 orsecondary tip 30 (or secondary tip 31) of a stylus 100 is positioned inproximity to sensor 512, output from the other tip is not detected bysensor 512. Optionally, while primary tip 20 is being used to interactwith digitizer sensor 512, output from secondary tip 30 is not detectedby digitizer sensor 512. In some exemplary embodiments, secondary tip 31provides input to digitizer sensor 512 responsive to capacitive couplingformed between secondary tip 30 and one or more conductive lines 518 ofsensor 512. Typically, input to digitizer sensor 512 responsive tocapacitive coupling formed between secondary tip 30 and one or moreconductive lines 518, is detected responsive to a triggering pulseand/or signal applied to one or more of conductive lines 518 as isdiscussed in further detail herein below.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, circuitryassociated with digitizer sensor 512 includes one or more ASICs 516electrically connected to conductive lines or areas 518 by connection532 and mounted on one or more PCBs 530. Each ASIC 516 typicallycomprises circuitry to stimulate, sample, process and convert thesensor's output into a digital representation. Optionally, the digitaloutput is forwarded to a digital unit 520, e.g. digital ASIC unit forfurther digital processing and for determining locations of input todigitizer sensor 512. Optionally, digital unit 520 is also mounted onPCB(s) 530.

According to some embodiments of the invention, digital unit 20 receivesthe sampled data from ASIC 516, reads the sampled data, processes it anddetermines and/or tracks position of physical objects, such as one ormore of styluses 100, one or more tokens 545, one or more hands 546,and/or one or more fingers 547. In some exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention, hovering of an object, e.g. stylus 100 or hand 546and/or one or more fingers, may also be detected and processed bydigital unit 520. Calculated position and/or tracking information isforwarded to the host computer 522 via interface 524. Typically, digitalunit 520 and/or digitizer system 500 is able to detect more than onesimultaneous interactions with digitizer sensor 512, e.g. more than onefinger touches and/or stylus touches.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, digital unit 520includes a processing functionality and/or block 521 for differentiatingbetween input obtained from a variety of different tips of stylus 100,e.g. primary tip 20, secondary tip 30, secondary tip 31 and also fordifferentiating between input obtained when a tip is touching orhovering over sensor 512. According to some embodiments of the presentinvention, processing block 521 provides capability for differentiatingbetween different types of secondary tips 30 and/or different types ofsecondary tips 31. Optionally, processing block 521 differentiatesbetween the different tips based on a frequency, amplitude, phase orpattern formed by input provided to digitizer sensor 512. Optionally,during a course of interaction with digitizer system 500, a secondarytip of a stylus 100 may be exchanged for an alternate tip providingalternate functionality. Typically, information identifying a specifictip in use and/or an operational state of that specific tip in use isforwarded to host 522. Typically, information identifying a specific tipand/or an operational state of that specific tip is used to alter adisplay on an electronic screen associated with host 522.

According to some embodiments, in order to detect hand 546, finger 547,token 545, and/or secondary tip 31, digital unit 520 produces and sendsone or more triggering pulses to at least one of the conductive line 518at a time, and measures the signal on the same conductive lines or onother conductive lines 518, e.g. orthogonal conductive lines. Typicallythe triggering pulses and/or signals are analog pulses and/or signals.Optionally, the triggering pulses and/or signals are confined to one ormore pre-defined frequencies, e.g. any sub-range also referred to as“frequency window” of about 20 to about 1000 KHz, within the frequenciesof about 15 to about 200 KHz.

Typically in response to token 545 and/or secondary tip 31 (in anelectric float state) positioned over and/or near a junction between twoorthogonal conductive lines, a coupled signal at the junction isincreased by about 0.5-20%, e.g. 5-10%. Optionally, the increase in thecoupled signal is responsive to increased capacitive coupling between atriggered conductive line and passive conductive line, e.g. a line thatis not triggered. Typically, a degree of change in the coupled signal isa function of material that is used to form token 545 and/or secondarytip 31 and/or dimensions of token 545 and/or secondary tip 31, e.g.shape and size of the token and secondary tip 31. Typically, whilesecondary tip 31 is connected to GND, a coupled signal at the junctionis decreased. Optionally, by alternating between grounding and floatingsecondary tip 31, an oscillating output and/or output with a pre-definedpattern is obtained by sensor 512. Typically, in response to a hand or afinger over and/or near a junction between two orthogonal conductivelines, a coupled signal at the junction is reduced by about 1-30%, e.g.3-5%.

Typically, output from the digitizer sensor is forwarded to a host 522via an interface 524 and the output is further processed by an operatingsystem of host 522 and/or any application executed thereby.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, digital unit 520and ASIC 516 serve as the controller of the digitizer system and/or havefunctionality of a controller and/or processor. According to someembodiments of the present invention, digital unit 520 together withASIC 516 includes memory and/or memory capability. Memory capability mayinclude volatile and/or non-volatile memory, e.g., FLASH memory.

According to some embodiments of the invention, host 522 includes atleast a memory unit and a processing unit to store and processinformation obtained from ASIC 516 and/or digital unit 520. According tosome embodiments of the present invention memory and processingfunctionality may be divided between any of host 522, digital unit 520,and/or ASIC 516 or may reside in only host 522, digital unit 520 and/orthere may be a separated unit connected to at least one of host 522, anddigital unit 520. According to some embodiments of the presentinvention, one or more tables and/or databases may be stored to recorddata and/or outputs, e.g. images or patterned outputs of sensor 512,sampled by ASIC 16 and/or calculated by digitizer unit 520. In someexemplary embodiments, a database of data from sampled output signalsmay be stored. Data and/or signal values may be stored in volatile andnonvolatile memory.

Further details describing operation of digitizer system 500 can befound for example in incorporated U.S. Pat. No. 7,292,229 and inincorporated U.S. Pat. No. 7,843,439. It will be appreciated that thedisclosed digitizer system is exemplary only and is not meant to limitthe scope of the disclosure. Rather, the disclosed stylus can beoperated with any suitable digitizer system or circuitry designassociated with a digitizer sensor, including for example a combinedsingle chip.

In the description below and in particular when referring to detectedlocations, the terms digitizer and sensor may be used interchangeably,and may typically refer to a sensing surface on which stylus 100 isused.

Reference is now made to FIG. 8 showing a simplified schematic diagramof an exemplary primary and/or secondary tip of a stylus in accordancewith some embodiments of the present invention. The present inventorshave found that by enlarging a conductive area surrounding a stylus tip,an area over which a stylus transmits can be enlarged and an ability todetect a presence of the stylus may be improved. Optionally, thisfeature provides improved awareness of the digitizer to the stylusduring a hover operational state. According to some embodiments of thepresent invention, a conductive portion of tip 201 is surrounded by morethan one conductive ring and/or section, e.g. conductive rings 951 and952, and is electrically isolated from the conductive rings. Optionally,conductive rings 951 and 952 are coated on a housing 90 of a stylus 190and/or are an integral part of housing 90. Typically, housing 90additionally includes an insulating section for electrically isolatingan area between rings 951 and 952.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, circuitryincluded in an ASIC 401, for generating a transmission signal isconnected at one end to a conductive portion of tip 201 and at anotherend to one or more conductive rings 951 and/or 952 by selectiveconnection. In some exemplary embodiments, ASIC 401 is operable toselectively connect and disconnect to ring 952 with a switch 411.Typically, by connecting to more than one conductive area, an effectivearea for transmission can be increased or decreased. Optionally, byconnecting ring 952, an effective conductive area provided by the ringsis doubled and/or increased by at least 50%.

Optionally, selective connection is responsive to input provided by apressure sensing unit 28. Alternatively and/or additionally, selectiveconnection is responsive to a user command, e.g. obtained by buttonselection. Optionally, for a stylus that provides two-way communication,selective connection is responsive to input provided by an associateddigitizer sensor.

In some exemplary embodiments, during a hover operational state, ASIC401 connects to both ring 951 and 952 during transmission to providertransmission over a wider area. Optionally, during a touch operationalstate connection to ring 952 is broken, and transmission is obtainedbetween tip 201 and ring 951 so that a more localized transmissionsignal can be obtained, e.g. as is typically desired to improvedlocation detection. Optionally, ASIC 401 additionally provides forgenerating a first amplitude signal while transmitting over a smallerarea, e.g. while only one of conductive rings 951 and 952 are connectedfor transmission and for generating a second amplitude signal whiletransmitting over a larger area, e.g. while both conductive rings 951and 952 are connected for transmission. Optionally, a lower amplitudesignal is transmitted during a touch operational state since theproximity of the stylus to touch sensor improves reception of thetransmitted signal.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “having”and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to”.

The term “consisting of” means “including and limited to”.

The term “consisting essentially of” means that the composition, methodor structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, butonly if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materiallyalter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition,method or structure.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, forclarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also beprovided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, variousfeatures of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in thecontext of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or inany suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other describedembodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the contextof various embodiments are not to be considered essential features ofthose embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without thoseelements.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specificembodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modificationsand variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scopeof the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A stylus comprising: a housing; a tip configured to extend out from the housing, wherein the tip includes a conductive portion; a first conductive area substantially surrounding the tip and electrically isolated from the tip; a second conductive area substantially surrounding the tip and electrically isolated from the tip and electrically isolated from the first conductive area; a circuit configured to transmit a signal via the tip, wherein the circuit is electrically connected at a first end to the tip and at a second end to the first conductive area; and a switching element configured to selectively connecting the circuit at the second end to the second conductive area.
 2. The stylus of claim 1, wherein the switching element is configured to connect the circuit at the second end to the second conductive area while the tip is in a hover operational state.
 3. The stylus of claim 1, wherein the switching element is configured to disconnect the circuit at the second end to the second conductive area while the tip is in a touch operational state.
 4. The stylus of claim 1 comprising: a tip pressure detecting unit associated with the tip for detecting pressure applied on the tip, wherein the switching element is configured to connect the circuit at the second end to the second conductive area based on a pre-defined pressure detected with the tip pressure detecting unit.
 5. The stylus of claim 1, wherein the stylus includes a button configured to be operated by a user operating the stylus, wherein the switching element is configured to connect the circuit at the second end to the second conductive area based on button selection by the user.
 6. The stylus of claim 1, wherein the switching element is configured to connect the circuit at the second end to the second conductive area based on a command transmitted to the stylus by a digitizer sensor in communication with the stylus.
 7. The stylus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first conductive area and the second conductive area is a conductive ring surrounding the tip.
 8. The stylus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first conductive area and the second conductive area is coated on the housing.
 9. The stylus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first conductive area and the second conductive area is an integral part of the housing.
 10. The stylus of claim 1, wherein the housing includes an insulating section configured to electrically insulate the first conductive area from the second conductive area.
 11. The stylus of claim 1, wherein an effective area of transmission is configured to be increased based on the switching element connecting the second end to the second conductive area.
 12. The stylus of claim 11, wherein the effective area is increased by at least 50%.
 13. The stylus of claim 1, wherein the circuit is configured to transmit the signal via the tip with a first amplitude based on the circuit connected on the second end only to the first conductive area and to transmit the signal via the tip with a second amplitude a second amplitude based on the circuit connected on the second end to both the first conductive area and the second conductive area, wherein the first amplitude is lower than the second amplitude.
 14. A method comprising: transmitting a signal via a tip of a stylus, the tip extending from a housing of the stylus, wherein a circuit of the stylus configured to transmit the signal is electrically connected at a first end to the tip and at a second end to a first conductive area substantially surrounding the tip and electrically isolated from the tip; and selectively connecting the circuit at the second end to a second conductive area wherein the second conductive area substantially surrounds the tip and is electrically isolated from the tip and the first conductive area.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the selectively connecting is based on detecting a hover operational state of the stylus.
 16. The method of claim 14 wherein the selectively connecting is based on a detected pre-defined pressure on the tip, button selection by a user operating the stylus or a command transmitted to the stylus by a digitizer sensor in communication with the stylus.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein at least one of the first conductive area and the second conductive area is a conductive ring surrounding the tip that is coated on or integrated with the housing.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein selectively connecting the circuit at the second end to a second conductive area is configured to increase an effective area of transmission of the signal.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the effective area is increased by at least 50%.
 20. The method of claim 14, comprising transmitting the signal via the tip with a first amplitude while the circuit is connected on the second end only to the first conductive area and to transmit the signal via the tip with a second amplitude while the circuit is connected on the second end to both the first conductive area and the second conductive area, wherein the first amplitude is lower than the second amplitude. 